AUSTIN, Texas – Two of the men who fought in the D-Day invasion will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the decisive battle in front of the largest movie screen in Texas.

World War II Veterans Robert Bearden, author and former POW, and fellow soldier Johnny Marino, will participate in a panel following a screening of the new IMAX film “D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944.”

Sponsored by the VLB Voices of VeteransTM oral history program, the event is set for 2 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. The panel, featuring the two veterans, will take place immediately following the movie. The discussion is open to the public.

“D-Day changed the course of the Second World War, as well as human history,” said James Crabtree, Coordinator of the Voices of Veterans Program. “We invite anyone who values the contributions of these brave men to come learn more about the invasion of Normandy from those who experienced it firsthand.”

There will also be an interactive Voices of Veterans display near the theatre exit where moviegoers can hear the actual recorded recollections of combat veterans from WWII to Iraq and learn more about the fight to preserve their stories for future generations.

Reservations are required at http://bit.ly/DdayTix. Though the movie is free to all veterans and active military personnel, admission charges apply to the general public. For information call (512)936-4649.

About the movie: “D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944” brings to life the June 6, 1944, landing of Allied troops on the beaches of Normandy, France. Narrated by Tom Brokaw and blending animation and live action, the film examines how the summer of 1944 changed the course of world history.

About the Voices of Veterans program: The Voices of Veterans oral history program seeks to record the stories of Texas veterans and archive the transcripts in the Office of Veterans Records for future researchers, historians, genealogists and the general public. Any interested veteran may contact the Texas VLB at 1-800-252-VETS (8387), or send an e-mail to vlbinfo@glo.texas.gov.

WHO: Two veterans of the invasion of Normandy

WHAT: The 70th anniversary of D-Day movie and panel discussion

WHY: To recognize the efforts of those who fought for the Allies

WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, June 6

WHERE: Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave.

COST: Free to veterans and active and reserve members of the Armed Forces